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Expert Q&A
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| By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn. | ||
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When is the best time to put my newborn to my breast?
Most babies are eager to learn within the first hour or so after birth. They are usually wide awake and alert. This is a perfect time to cuddle and offer the breast. The full-term baby is born with energy reserves that tide him over for a while, so this first nursing is more of an introduction than a real feeding. That takes a lot of pressure off you.
Some babies are sleepy – especially if you have had a lot of medication during your labor and delivery. Even if he's not awake enough for a real breastfeeding, you both will benefit from this cuddle session. There will be plenty of time to learn later on. And even if you and your baby are separated right after birth for whatever reason, you can still make up for lost time.
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